Cair Paravel Lions

By ISAAC DEER

TopSports.news

ROSSVILLE –The  Rossville boys basketball team closed out its 2022-2023 regular season with a 62-45 Mid-East League loss against Rock Creek Thursday, but that game doesn’t mean much to the Bulldawgs in their eye toward a promising future.

First-year Rossville boys coach Brandon McDonnell is proud of the progress the Bulldawgs have made over a 7-13 regular season. [File photo/TSN]

Although Rossville finished its regular season 7-13, the culture has changed surrounding the boys' basketball program.

In the previous three years, Rossville had won eight games. This year alone, they neared that total.

"Let's just be honest, it's a blessing," Rossville coach Brandon McDonnell said. "We got seven wins. We've gotten more wins this year than we had the past two or three years. So it's a blessing. The only way this year happened the way it did is for the boys to go out there and perform and put in the work. I can coach them up all day, but I'm not out there playing; the boys are.

"For them to go out there, exert that energy, and play hard is a blessing. That's that light at the end of the tunnel; you see it. I got most of these boys for the next two or three years, which is beautiful. We've had rocky parts this year and speed bumps, but we get over them. We get over them together. What more can I ask?"

McDonnell knew that getting buy-in from his kids wouldn't be an issue. So when the first-year coach took the job at Rossville, he had a sole mission: To put a winning product on the court and develop kids while helping them reach their fullest potential.

Seven wins might not seem like much, but it's a step in the right direction for a successful boys' basketball program at Rossville.

"I don't go home mad; I don't go home frustrated because I know the boys are working hard," McDonnell said. "They don't want to come out here and lose games. They work their tails off. You see the beauty and glimpses of what they are doing. There is light at the end of the tunnel. We are just young. Having a good offseason will be crucial, but I'm not worried about that now."

McDonnell admits that he feels empathy for his senior class that won't be able to experience the ride with this young group after this season.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

After dropping two previous games to Rock Creek by a total of 30 points, Silver Lake's boys basketball team made a dramatic turnaround Friday night, taking a 51-40 home Mid-East League decision over the Mustangs.

Senior Troy Heiman scored 12 points to lead a balanced Silver Lake attack as the Eagles took a 51-40 Mid-East League win over Rock Creek Friday night. [File photo/TSN]

Friday's win was the second straight double-digit win for the Eagles, who improved to 6-12 overall and 5-4 in the league.

Silver Lake trailed 12-5 at the end of the opening quarter, but outscored the Mustangs 28-15 over the middle two quarters to put itself in position for the win before outscoring Rock Creek 18-13 over the final eight minutes.

Senior Troy Heiman led Silver Lake with 12 points while freshman Dayne Johnson added 10 points, junior Elijah Lopez nine points and junior Spencer Johnson eight.

Senior Jack Bachelor scored 20 points and had 10 assists in Washburn Rural's 78-70 loss at Manhattan Friday night. [File photo/TSN]

MANHATTAN BOYS 78, WASHBURN RURAL 70 --Manhattan handed Washburn Rural its second Centennial League loss of the season Friday night, dropping the Junior Blues into a share for the league lead with Emporia.

Manhattan (11-8, 5-4) rode a 26-13 first quarter to a big lead and the Indians led 38-28 at the half 59-45 at the start of the fourth quarter before the Junior Blues (14-5, 7-2) made up ground late.

Senior Jack Bachelor led Washburn Rural with 20 points, including four 3-pointers, and also had 10 assists.

'By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

HAYDEN (11-6, 3-5) at TOPEKA HIGH (13-5, 4-4)

Sophomore Norma Greco scored 14 points to lead Hayden in a 48-21 Centennial League win over Junction City Tuesday night. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden is 2-0 on the week, posting a 55-16 non-league win over Tonganoxie Monday and taking a 48-21 home Centennial League win over Junction City Tuesday night. Sophomore Norma Greco led Hayden with 14 points against Junction City while junior Lauren Sandstrom added 11 points and sophomore Brylee Meier 10. Topeka High is coming off back-to-back league losses to Emporia and league-leading Washburn Rural, with the Trojans dropping a 55-42 decision at Rural Tuesday night. Freshman Keimara Marshall scored 11 points to lead the Trojans against the Junior Blues. Topeka High took a 60-25 win over Hayden earlier in the season. 

BASEHOR-LINWOOD (12-5, 10-3) at SEAMAN (16-1, 12-1)

Top-ranked (Class 5A) Seaman will have an opportunity Friday night to avenge its only loss of the season, a 74-71 overtime defeat at Basehor-Linwood earlier in the year. The Vikings have won 10 straight games since that loss to the Bobcats. Seaman is coming off a 61-22 win over Leavenworth on Tuesday while Basehor-Linwood beat KC-Turner, 58-17.

 KC-SUMNER (13-5, 7-3) at HIGHLAND PARK (13-3, 8-0)

Highland Park took a 65-51 home Meadowlark Conference win over Atchison on Tuesday while Sumner is coming off a 50-46 loss to KC-Wyandotte. Highland Park beat Sumner 64-20 earlier in the season.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

HAYDEN (9-8, 3-5) at TOPEKA HIGH (3-15, 0-8)

Senior Joe Otting is coming off a 19-point, 10-rebound performance Tuesday night in Hayden's 56-45 Centennial League win over Junction City. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden will be looking for its third win of the week affter beating non-league foe Tonganoxie on Monday and taking a 56-45 home Centennial League win over Junction City Tuesday night. Senior Joe Otting led the Wildcats with 19 points and 10 rebounds against Junction City while senior Jake Muller added 13 points. Topeka High is coming off a 61-35 league loss to Washburn Rural, with senior Mason Gomez scoring 12 points to lead the Trojans. Hayden will be playing Topeka High for the third time this season, with the Wildcats taking 67-57 and 64-47 wins in the earlier two games.

Senior Aron Davis scored 25 points, 21 in the second half, as Seaman took a 56-50 UKC road win at Leavenworth. [File photo/TSN]

BASEHOR-LINWOOD (6-11, 5-8) at SEAMAN (10-7, 7-6)

Seaman has won three straight games after a 56-50 United Kansas Conference decision over Leavenworth on Tuesday. Senior Aron Davis led the Vikings with 25 points against Leavenworth, including 21 points in the second half. Seaman took a 48-39 UKC win over Basehor-Linwood in the first meeting between the Vikings and the Bobcats.

Senior Tre Richardson scored 25 points in Highland Park's 80-51 win over Atchison Tuesday night. [File photo/TSN]

 KC-SUMNER (10-8, 7-4) at HIGHLAND PARK (16-0, 8-0)

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

After sweeping Tonganoxie on the road Monday, Hayden's girls and boys basketball teams posted their second wins in as many nights on Tuesday, taking a home Centennial League sweep over Junction City.

Hayden sophomore Norma Greco (30) led the way with 14 points in Tuesday's 48-21 Centennial League win over Junction City. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden senior Joe Otting scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the Wildcats' 56-45 Centennial League win over Junction City. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden's girls, tied for the No. 10 spot in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Class 4A rankings, rolled to a 48-21 win over the Blue Jays while Hayden's boys posted a 56-45 win over Junction City.

Hayden's girls, who improved to 11-6 overall and 3-5 in the Centennial League, got 14 points from sophomore Norma Greco while junior Lauren Sandstrom added 11 points and sophomore Brylee Meier 10.

The Hayden boys, now 9-8 overall and 3-5 in the league, got a double-double from senior Joe Otting, who finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while senior Jake Muller added 13 points.

Hayden built a 29-21 lead at the half before pulling away down the stretch.

SEAMAN GIRLS 61, LEAVENWORTH 22 --Seaman, the top-ranked team in Class 5A for the past four weeks, rolled to its 16th win in 17 starts on the season, taking a 61-22 United Kansas Conference road victory at Leavenworth.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

TOPEKA HIGH (3-14, 0-7) at WASHBURN RURAL (13-4, 6-1)

Senior Jack Bachelor scored 14 points and went seven of eight at the free throw line in Washburn Rural's 43-39 overtime win over Hayden last Friday. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Washburn Rural maintained its lead in the Centennial League race with a 43-39 home overtime win over Hayden last Friday while Topeka High dropped a 67-51 league decision to Emporia. Washburn Rural, which has won six straight games, got a game-high 14 points from senior Jack Bachelor against Hayden, including a seven of eight performance at the free throw line. Washburn Rural took a 54-42 win over Topeka High in an earlier meeting this season at High.

Senior Bo Aldridge and the Highland Park boys will host Atchison Tuesday in a battle between top-ranked teams. [File photo/TSN]

ATCHISON (15-1, 7-1) at HIGHLAND PARK (15-0, 7-0)

Tuesday's game matches Highland Park, the top-ranked team in Class 5A, against Atchison, No. 1-ranked in 4A. Highland Park is coming off an 87-73 non-league victory at Kansas City-Central, Mo. last Friday while Atchison is coming off a 74-33 Meadowlark Conference decision over KC-Harmon. Highland Park handed Atchison its only loss of the season in an earlier conference game, with the Scots taking a 66-47 road win.

JUNCTION CITY (10-7, 4-3) at HAYDEN (8-8, 2-5)

After dropping back-to-back Centennial League heartbreakers last week to Emporia and Washburn Rural, Hayden got back on track with a 49-35 non-league win at Tonganoxie Monday night. Senior Joe Otting and sophomore Jacob Deister scored nine-points apiece for the Wildcats, with Deister hitting three 3-pointers, while senior Jake Muller added eight points. Junction City dropped two and one-point league games to Washburn Rural and Manhattan last week. The Blue Jays took a 44-42 decision over Hayden earlier in the season.

'By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

TOPEKA HIGH (13-4, 4-3) at WASHBURN RURAL (12-4, 7-0)

Washburn Rural senior Brooklyn DeLeye scored a game-high 18 points in Friday's 55-29 Centennial League win over Hayden at Rural. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN] 

Washburn Rural protected its two-game lead in the Centennial League race with a 55-29 home league win over Hayden last Friday while Topeka High dropped a 37-31 league decision to Emporia. Seniors Brooklyn DeLeye and Chloe Carlgren scored 18 and 13 points for Washburn Rural in the win over Hayden while senior Kiki Smith led Topeka High with 15 points against Emporia. Rural took a 47-46 win over High in the first meeting between the two teams.

Sophomore standout Amelia Ramsey and the Meadowlark Conference-leading Highland Park girls will host Atchison Tuesday night. [File photo/TSN] 

ATCHISON (9-7, 6-2) at HIGHLAND PARK (12-3, 7-0)

Highland Park is coming off a 67-31 non-league victory at Kansas City-Central, Mo. last Thursday while Atchison is coming off a 70-22 Meadowlark Conference win over KC-Harmon. Highland Park and Atchison have combined for 11 straight wins, with the Scots winning seven straight games and Atchison winning four straight. Highland Park took a 56-40 win over Atchison in an earlier meeting between the two teams. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Silver Lake's girls and boys basketball teams took a pair of rivalry wins over Rossville Friday night at Silver Lake, with the Eagle girls taking a 76-61 Mid-East League victory over the Bulldawgs and the Lake boys avenging an earlier loss to Rossville with a 58-41 win.

Junior Makenzie McDaniel scored a game-high 29 points in Silver Lake's 76-61 Mid-East League victory over Rossville Friday night. [File photo/TSN]

Junior Makenzie McDaniel powered No. 3-ranked Silver Lake with a 29-point performance Friday, including 20 points in the second half, as the Eagles improved to 16-1 overall and 7-1 in the league.

Silver Lake opened up a 22-8 lead at the end of the opening quarter, which proved to be the difference, as the Eagles outscored the Bulldawgs by just a 54-53 margin over the final three quarters.

Kaibryn Kruger and McKinley Kruger scored 12 points each to join McDaniel in double figures.

Rossville (12-5, 4-4) got 18 points from freshman Rylee Dick while juniors Emma Mitchell and Kinsey Perine added 14 points apiece for the Bulldawgs.

Silver Lake's boys bounced back from a seven-point loss to the Bulldawgs earlier in the season with Friday's 17-point win.

Friday's game was still tight at the end of the start of the fourth quarter, with Silver Lake holding a 43-36 advantage, before the Eagles closed with a 15-5 scoring edge over the final eight minutes.

Freshman Dayne Johnson paced Silver Lake (5-12, 4-4) with a game-high 16 points while senior Troy Heiman added 14 points and junior Elijah Lopez 13 points.

Rossville (6-11, 2-5) got 14 points from sophomore Tayson Horak, who canned four 3-pointers on the night.

EMPORIA GIRLS 37, TOPEKA HIGH 31 -- The No. 6-ranked (Class 5A) Emporia girls rallied down the stretch to take a 37-31 home Centennial League victory over No. 4 (6A) Topeka High.

'By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

HAYDEN (9-5, 2-4) at WASHBURN RURAL (11-4, 6-0)

Senior Chloe Carlgren and Centennial League-leading Washburn Rural will host Hayden on Friday. [File photo/TSN]

Washburn Rural, ranked No. 6 in Class 6A, maintained its two-game lead in the Centennial League race with a 46-28 league win at Junction City on Tuesday while No. 8-ranked (Class 4A) Hayden is coming off a 44-32 Centennial League loss to Emporia. Hayden got 22 points from junior Lauren Sandstrom against Emporia. Washburn Rural was on top by just a point at halftime (23-22) in Tuesday's game at Junction City but the Junior Blues outscored the Blue Jays 23-6 in the second half. Washburn Rural took a 56-32 win over Hayden earlier this season.

Freshman Maddie Gragg (left) is in the midst of an outstanding freshman season for 14-1 Seaman, which will play at Topeka West on Friday. [Photo by Brent Maycock/KSHSAA Covered]

SEAMAN (14-1, 10-1) at TOPEKA WEST (5-11, 4-8)

Top-ranked (Class 5A) Seaman is coming off a 70-8 United Kansas Conference win over Kansas City-Turner on Tuesday while Topeka West dropped a 43-26 UKC decision at Shawnee Heights. Sophomore Kinley Wilhelm and freshman Maggie Gragg scored 12 points apiece for Seaman against Turner while sophomore Maggie Moulden had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Senior Azayah Duncan scored 10 points for Topeka West against Shawnee Heights with three 3-pointers. Seaman beat Topeka West 60-26 earlier in the year.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Sophomore Kaden Ballard came up with a steal and the game-winning basket at the buzzer to give Centennial League-leading Washburn Rural a 46-44 road victory at Junction City Tuesday night.

Sophomore Kaden Ballard (right) scored the game-winning basket in Tuesday night's 46-44 Centennial League win over Junction City. [File photo/TSN] 

With the win Washburn Rural moved to 12-4 overall and 5-1 in the league while Junction City dropped to 10-6, 4-2.

Washburn Rural led 35-32 at the end of the third quarter and 23-20 at the half.

Senior Wyatt Conklin led the Junior Blues with 11 points while senior Jack Bachelor added nine points.

The Junior Blues have now won five straight games.

WASHBURN RURAL GIRLS 46, JUNCTION CITY 28 -- Washburn Rural protected its two-game lead in the Centennial League race with a 46-28 win at Junction City Tuesday night.

The Junior Blues improved to 11-4 overall and 6-0 in the league race.

Washburn Rural led by only a point, 23-22, at haltime before outscoring the Blue Jays 23-6 in the second half.

Junior Lauren Sandstrom scored a game-high 22 points in Hayden's 44-32 Centennial League loss to Emporia Tuesday night. [Photo by Trevor Falcon/Special to TSN]

EMPORIA GIRLS 44, HAYDEN 32 -- Hayden was within six points (11-5) at the end of the opening quarter and eight points (25-17) at the half but Emporia opened up a 13-point cushion at the end of the third quarter on the way to a 44-32 Centennial League victory Tuesday at Hayden.

Emporia improved to 13-3 overall and 4-2 in the league with its third win of the season over the Wildcats while Hayden fell to 9-5 and 2-4, with the Spartans ending Hayden's five-game winning streak. 

Junior Lauren Sandstrom led Hayden with a game-high 22 points.

Senior Joe Otting scored a game-high 12 points for Hayden in Tuesday's 39-38 Centennial League loss ot Emporia. [Photo by Trevor Falcon/Special to TSN]

EMPORIA BOYS 39, HAYDEN 38 -- Hayden was whistled for a foul with .3 on the clock and Cooper Rech hit one of two free throws to give Emporia the 39-28 Centennial League victory at Hayden.

Hayden (7-7, 2-4) led  21-16 at halftime and 30-26 at the start of the fourth quarter.

'By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

TOPEKA WEST (5-10, 4-7) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (10-5, 8-3)

Shawnee Heights senior Emari Doby (13) is coming off an 18-point game in the T-Birds' 62-43 UKC win over Leavenworth. [File photo/TSN]

Both teams are coming off United Kansas League victories last Friday, with Topeka West taking a 58-28 win at Kansas City-Turner and Shawnee Heights posting a 62-43 home win over Leavenworth. Shawnee Heights, which took a 42-33 win at West earlier in the season, got 18 points from senior Emari Doby while senior Riley Showalter added 14 points with four 3-pointers. Topeka West has won two straight games and four out of its last six.

EMPORIA (12-3, 3-2) at HAYDEN (9-4, 2-3)

Hayden won its fifth straight game last Friday, taking a 57-41 Centennial League home decision over Manhattan, while Emporia is coming off a 45-39 overtime league loss at Washburn Rural. Junior Lauren Sandstrom scored 19 points to lead four Wildcats in double figures against Manhattan while Kaliya Fulton added 15 points, Brylee Meier 12 points and Norma Greco 11. Emporia will  be playing Hayden for the third time this season, with the Spartans taking 52-27 and 43-34 wins in the first two games. 

Senior Kiki Smith scored 22 points in Topeka High's 62-25 Centennial League romp past Junction City. [File photo/TSN]

MANHATTAN (6-9, 2-3) at TOPEKA HIGH (12-3, 3-2)

Topeka High is coming off a 62-25 Centennial League romp past Junction City while Manhattan dropped a 57-41 league decision at Hayden last Friday. Senior Kiki Smith scored 22 points to lead Topeka High against Junction City while junior Ladaysha Baird added 14 points. Topeka High took a 75-42 decision over Manhattan earlier in the season.

'By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

TOPEKA WEST (12-3, 9-2) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (11-4, 8-3)

Senior Malachi Berg is coming off a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds in Topeka West's 85-56 UKC win over KC-Turner last Friday. [File photo/TSN]

Sophomore Jaret Sanchez led Shawnee Heights with 18 points in last Friday's 69-32 UKC win over Leavenworth. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Topeka West and Shawnee Heights have both already clinched winning seasons and are looking to strengthen their Class 5A sub-state seedings. Topeka West is coming off an 85-56 United Kansas Conference win over Kansas City-Turner while Shawnee Heights rolled to a 69-32 home UKC win over Leavenworth last Friday. Sophomore Jaret Sanchez led Shawnee Heights with 18 points against Leavenworth while junior Brennon Dodge added 14 points and senior Q Stovall 13. Senior Malachi Berg had 17 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and four steals against Turner while Xavier Alexander led the Chargers with 24 points and three 3-pointers, while Sincere Austin and Mason Jones had 11 points apiece. Topeka West took a 64-51 home win over the T-Birds early in the season. 

Senior Joe Otting led Hayden with 14 points in last Friday's 51-48 Centennial League win over Manhattan. [File photo/TSN]

EMPORIA (10-5, 3-2) at HAYDEN (7-6, 2-3)

Hayden posted a 51-48 home Centennial League win over Manhattan last Friday while Emporia let a 14-point lead get away in a 50-42 league loss to Washburn Rural. Senior Joe Otting led Hayden with 14 points against Manhattan while senior Jake Muller added nine points. Emporia and Hayden will be squaring off for the third time this season, with the Spartans taking 57-53 and 59-52 wins in the first two meetings.

MANHATTAN (8-7, 2-3) at TOPEKA HIGH (3-12, 0-5)

Manhattan dropped a 51-48 Centennial League decision at Hayden last Friday while Topeka High is coming off a 52-46 loss to league co-leader Junction City. Manhattan beat Topeka High, 56-46, earlier in the season.

'By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

HAYDEN (7-7, 2-4) at WASHBURN RURAL (12-4, 5-1)

Sophomore Kaden Ballard (left) scored the game-winning basket at the buzzer in Tuesday night's 46-44 Centennial League win over Junction City. [File photo/TSN]

Hayden is coming off a heartbreaking 39-38 home Centennial League loss to Emporia on Tuesday while No. 10-ranked (Class 6A) Washburn Rural took over sole possession of the Centennial League lead with a 46-44 thriller at Junction City. Hayden was whistled for a foul at the .3 mark of the fourth quarter against Emporia and the Spartans hit a free throw for the game-winning point. Washburn Rural's game at Junction City also went down to the wire, with Junior Blue sophomore Kaden Ballard scoring at the buzzer to give Rural the win. Senior Joe Otting scored 12 points and freshman Ayden McGibboney 11 for Hayden against Emporia while seniors Wyatt Conklin and Jack Bachelor scored 11 and nine points, respectively, for the Junior Blues against Junction City. Rural took a 46-36 win over Hayden in an earlier game.

Senior Aron Davis scored 26 points in Seaman's 67-46 United Kansas Conference victory over KC-Turner on Tuesday. [File photo/TSN]

SEAMAN (8-7, 5-6) at TOPEKA WEST (12-4, 9-3)

Seaman moved back above .500 with a 67-46 United Kansas Conference win over Kansas City-Turner on Tuesday while No. 8-ranked (Class 5A) Topeka West is coming off a 67-48 league loss at Shawnee Heights. Senior Aron Davis scored 26 points for the Seaman in the Vikings' win over Turner while senior Malachi Berg scored 14 points and senior Sincere Austin 11 for Topeka West against Shawnee Heights. Topeka West took a 74-62 UKC win at Seaman in the first game between the Chargers and the Vikings this season.

ROSSVILLE (6-10, 2-4) at SILVER LAKE (4-12, 3-4)

Rossville and Silver Lake will both be looking to get back on track in Friday's Mid-East League rematch. Silver Lake was off Tuesday night after a 74-67 league loss to St. Mary's last Friday while Rossville is coming off a 64-45 non-league loss to Osage City. Freshman Jack Donovan scored 14 points with four 3-pointers for the Bulldawgs in the loss to Osage City. Rossville took a 50-43 Mid-East League win over the Eagles earlier this season.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Seaman's girls, the top-ranked team in Class 5A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, dug themselves a hole Friday night against De Soto before fighting back to take a 43-35 United Kansas Conference road victory.

Matt Tinsley's Seaman girls rallied for a 43-35 UKC win over De Soto Friday night, improving to 13-1 on the season. [File photo/TSN]

The Vikings, who improved to 13-1 overall and 9-1 in the UKC, trailed 13-4 at the end of the opening quarter and Seaman still trailed by nine at the half, 23-14.

Seaman rallied to take a 30-28 lead by the end of the third quarter and the Vikings outscored the Wildcats (9-6, 7-5) by a 13-7 margin over the final eight minutes to take their seventh straight win.

Seaman will return to action on Tuesday, hosting Kansas City-Turner in a UKC contest.

DE SOTO BOYS 68, SEAMAN 39 --Eighth-ranked (Class 5A) De Soto jumped on short-handed Seaman early Friday night and cruised to a 68-39 home United Kansas Conference decision.

Seaman, which fell to 7-7 overall and 4-6 in the league, played without standout seniors Kaeden Bonner and Aron Davis due to injuries.

De Soto (13-2, 11-1) led 17-9 at the end of the first quarter and 31-15 at the half before using a 23-8 third quarter to force a running clock over the final eight minutes.

Seaman will be at home Tuesday to host Kansas City-Turner in a UKC game.

Topeka High senior Kiki Smith had 22 points in Friday's 62-25 Centennial League win at Junction City. [File photo/TSN]  

 TOPEKA HIGH GIRLS 62, JUNCTION CITY 25 --Topeka High, fifth-ranked in Class 6A, ran its winning streak to five games with a 62-25 Centennial League romp at Junction City.

The Trojan, who improved to 12-3 overall and 3-2 in the league, were never seriously threatened by the Blue Jays, opening up a 16-11 first-quarter advantage and using a 19-6 second quarter to take command at halftime, 35-17.

High outscored Junction City (3-12, 1-5) in the third quarter by a 14-5 margin to take a 49-22 lead and the Trojans forced a running clock down the stretch.

Trojan senior Kiki Smith scored a game-high 22 points while junior Ladaysha Baird continued her hot streak, adding 14 points. 

Topeka High will be at home Tuesday to face Manhattan.

'By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

MANHATTAN (6-8, 2-2) at HAYDEN (8-4, 1-3)

No. 8-ranked (Class 4A) Hayden has been off since winning the Wellsville Top Gun Tournament last Saturday with a 48-39 win over Spring Hill. The Wildcats have now won four straight games and put sophomores Brylee Meier and Kaliya Fulton and junior Lauren Sandstrom on the all-tournament team. Manhattan is coming off a 46-35 win over Dodge City and has won two straight games for the first time this season.

Senior Brooklyn DeLeye scored 19 points in Washburn Rural's 54-52 overtime loss to Blue Valley Northwest on Tuesday. [File photo/TSN]

EMPORIA (12-2, 3-1) at WASHBURN RURAL (9-4, 4-0)

No. 4-ranked (Class 6A) Washburn Rural will be looking to protect its lead in the Centennial League race while No. 4 (5A) Emporia will be looking to pull even with the Junior Blues. Both teams are coming off losses, with the Spartans dropping a last-second 46-43 decision to Seaman in the Glaciers Edge championship game last Saturday while Rural fell to non-league foe Blue Valley Northwest in overtime on Tuesday, 54-52. Senior Brooklyn DeLeye scored 19 points against Blue Valley Northwest while senior Chloe Carlgren added 11 points and sophomore Tenly Bunck nine points on three 3-pointers.

LEAVENWORTH (2-11, 2-7) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (9-5, 7-3)

Ninth-ranked (Class 5A) Shawnee Heights is coming off a tough 37-33 United Kansas Conference loss at Basehor-Linwood Tuesday night while Leavenworth is coming off a 59-26 loss to Bonner Springs. Shawnee Heights took 49-36 UKC win over the Pioneers earlier in the season. All five of Shawnee Heights losses have been by four or fewer points. Senior Riley Showalter led the T-Birds with 11 points against Basehor-Linwood while seniors Emari Doby and Taylor Rottinghaus added 10 and seven points, respectively.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

MANHATTAN (8-6, 2-2) at HAYDEN (6-6, 1-3)

Hayden was off Tuesday after a 58-51 non-league home loss to Shawnee Heights last Friday. Manhattan is coming off a 67-59 loss to Blue Valley, its third straight loss. Senior Joe Otting and junior Jacob Padilla scored 14 points apiece in the Wildcats' loss to Shawnee Heights, with Otting going six of six at the free throw line. Senior Jake Muller also cracked double  figures for Hayden with 11 points.

Washburn Rural senior Jack Bachelor is coming off a 27-point performance in Tuesday's 65-60 non-league road win at Blue Valley. [File photo/TSN]

EMPORIA (10-4, 3-1) at WASHBURN RURAL (10-4, 3-1)

Senior Jack Bachelor scored 27 points in Washburn Rural's 65-60 non-league victory over Blue Valley on Tuesday. Bachelor went nine of 13 from the field and six of seven from the free throw line against the Tigers while sophomore Kaden Ballard added 13 points while hitting four of seven 3-point attempts. Emporia is coming off a 41-39 win over Manhattan. 

LEAVENWORTH (4-9, 2-8) at SHAWNEE HEIGHTS (10-4, 7-3)

Shawnee Heights posted a 57-48 United Kansas Conference road win at Basehor-Linwood on Tuesday, giving the T-Birds a regular-season sweep over the Bobcats. Sophomore Jaret Sanchez led Heights with 16 points while junior Brennon Dodge added 15 points, seniors Jeremyah Kendrick and Q Stovall eight points apiece and sophomore Deacon Pomeroy seven. Leavenworth has lost four straight games, including a 67-60 non-league loss to Bonner Springs on Tuesday. Heights beat Leavenworth 61-40 in an earlier game between the two teams.

Senior Jahmir Kingannon scored 18 points with five 3-pointers in Thursday's 79-48 Meadowlark Conference win over KC-Schlagle. [File photo/TSN]

HIGHLAND PARK (13-0, 6-0) at KC-WYANDOTTE (3-10, 3-4)

Highland Park, top-ranked in Class 5A, will be playing its third game in four days. The Scots are coming off a 79-48 Meadowlark Conference home win over KC-Schlagle Thursday night, with seniors Tre Richardson and Jahmir Kingcannon scoring 18 points apiece and senior Bo Aldridge adding 11 points. Kingcannon canned five 3-pointers on the night. Highland Park took a 95-42 win over Wyandotte earlier in the season. The Bulldogs are coming off a 65-62 league win over KC-Harmon on Tuesday.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Five Shawnee Heights boys players scored between seven and 16 points as the T-Birds posted a 57-48 United Kansas Conference road win at Basehor-Linwood.

Sophomore Jaret Sanchez led a balanced Shawnee Heights attack with 16 points as the T-Birds posted a 57-48 UKC road win at Basehor-Linwood Tuesday night. [File photo/TSN]

The T-Birds improved to 10-4 overall and 7-3 in the UKC while earning a regular-season sweep over the Bobcats.

Sophomore Jaret Sanchez scored 16 points to pace the T-Birds while junior Brennon Dodge joined Sanchez in double figures with 15 points.

Seniors Jeremyah Kendrick and Q Stovall added eight point apiece while sophomore Deacon Pomeroy had seven points.

BASEHOR-LINWOOD GIRLS 37, SHAWNEE HEIGHTS 33 -- No. 9-ranked (Class 5A) Shawnee Heights dropped a tough 37-33 United Kansas Conference road decision at Basehor-Linwood Tuesday night, with the T-Birds falling to 9-5 overall and 7-3 in the league.

The Basehor-Linwood win Tuesday night avenged an earlier 48-40 loss to the T-Birds. The Bobcatss improved to 10-3, 8-2.

Senior Riley Showalter led Shawnee Heights with 11 points while seniors Emari Doby and Taylor Rottinghaus added 10 and seven points for the T-Birds.

Washburn Rural senior Brooklyn DeLeye scored 19 points in the Junior Blues' 54-52 non-league overtime loss to Blue Valley Northwest Tuesday night. [Photo by Trevor Falcon/Special to TSN]

BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST GIRLS 54, WASHBURN RURAL 52 (OT) -- Blue Valley Northwest held a 9-7 scoring edge in overtime to take a 54-52 non-league win over No. 4-ranked (Class 6A) Washburn Rural.

Rural, which fell to 9-4 on the season, led 21-14 at the end of the first quarter but the Huskies outscored the Junior Blues 12-2 in the second quarter to take a 26-23 halftime lead.

Washburn Rural coach Kevin Bordewick talks to his team during Tuesday's 54-52 overtime loss to Blue Valley Northwest. [Photo by Trevor Falcon/Special to TSN]

Northwest (6-7) led 37-31 at the starf of the fourth quarter, but Rural held a 14-8 edge over the final eight minutes of regulation to force ovetime.

Senior Brooklyn DeLeye led Washburn Rural with 19 points while senior Chloe Carlgren added 11 points and sophomore Tenly Bunck nine points on three 3-pointers.

Washburn Rural will be at home Friday to host Emporia in a Centennial League game.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

PIPER (10-4, 7-3) at SEAMAN (7-5, 4-4)

Senior Kaeden Bonner (right) and the Seaman boys basketball team will be looking for their fifth straight victory in Tuesday night's United Kansas Conference home game against Piper. [File photo/TSN]

Seaman has posted four straight victories, including a 68-41 United Kansas Conference victory over Lansing last Friday. Piper is coming off a 62-56 UKC loss to De Soto. Tuesday night will be the second game of the season between Seaman and Piper, with the Pirates taking a 61-48 win over the Vikings in the earlier meeting.

Senior Bo Aldridge and the Highland Park boys ran their winning streak to 11 games with a pair of non-league victories last week. [File photo/TSN]

KC-WASHINGTON (5-7, 3-2) at HIGHLAND PARK (11-0, 4-0)

Highland Park, the top-ranked team in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Class 5A state rankings, continued its dominating season with a pair of non-league victories last week The Scots took a 76-45 win over state-ranked Eudora on Tuesday and then rolled to an 82-21 victory over Kansas City-East, Mo. on Friday. The league-leading Scots return to Meadowlark Conference play against KC-Washington.

'By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

PIPER (10-4, 7-3) at SEAMAN (11-1, 7-1)

Seaman junior Taylin Stallbaumer is congratulated by her teammates after hitting the game-winning 3-pointer in Saturday's 46-43 win over Emporia in the Glaciers Edge Tournament. [Photo by Brent Maycock/KSHSAA Covered]

Seaman, top-ranked in Class 5A by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, captured the tournament championship in last week's Glacier's Edge Tournament, taking a 46-43 win over tournament host Emporia on junior Taylin Stallbaumer's buzzer-beating 3-pointer in Saturday's championship game. Freshman Maddie Gragg scored 16 points and Stallbaumer 15 against Emporia while sophomore Anna Becker was named the tournament Most Valuable Player. Piper has posted three straight wins, including a 62-50 win over De Soto in the Pirates' last game. Seaman beat Piper 63-35 in an earlier meeting.

Sophomore Amelia Ramsey (center) has led Highland Park's girls to an 8-3 record and the Meadowlark Conference lead this winter. [File photo/TSN]

KC-WASHINGTON (3-7, 2-4) at HIGHLAND PARK (8-3, 4-0)

League-leading Highland Park will return to Meadowlawk Conference play after a 75-7 non-league romp past Kansas City-East, Mo. last Friday. Washington is coming off a 67-18 win over Kansas City-Northeast, Mo. Sophomore Amelia Ramsey leads Highland Park, which has not had a Meadowlark Conference game closer than 16 points. The Scots have won their last three games.

LANSING (3-9, 2-7) at TOPEKA WEST (3-10, 2-8)

Topeka West finished sixth in last week's Firebird Classic at Free State, posting a 1-2 record. The Chargers took a 46-40 consolation win over Great Bend last Friday before dropping a 59-53 decision to Wichita Northwest in Saturday's consolation final. Lansing is coming off a 49-45 win over Jefferson West.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Senior star Kiki Smith scored 36 points in three quarters of action as Topeka High's girls advanced to Saturday's Firebird Classic championship game with a 69-37 semifinal win over Goddard Eisenhower Friday night at Free State, improving to 10-3 on the season.

Topeka High senior Kiki Smith scored 36 points in just three quarters as the Trojans rolled to a 69-37 win over Eisenhower Friday night in the semifinals of the Firebird Classic. [File photo/TSN]

The seventh-ranked (Class 6A) Trojans took control with a 22-12 first quarter and opened up a 37-21 halftime advantage.

Topeka High used a 22-10 third quarter to take a 59-31 lead and cruised the rest of the way.

Smith canned six 3-pointers against Eisenhower while junior Ladaysha Baird added 11 points for Topeka High with three 3-pointers.

Topeka High will face 8-3 Blue Valley in the tournament championship game, with the No. 8-ranked Tigers advancing with a 59-38 win over No. 5 Lawrence.

The championship game is a rematch of last season's 6A state tournament first-round game between Topeka High and Blue Valley, with the Tigers taking a one-point win in that game.

SEAMAN GIRLS 45, DERBY 39 -- No. 1-ranked (Class 5A) Seaman posted a 45-39 statement win over No. 4-ranked (6A) Derby in Friday night's semifinals of the the Glacier's Edge Tournament..

Seaman, which improved to 10-1, led 25-19 at halftime over Derby, last year's 6A runner-up, and held off the Panthers the rest of the way.

Seaman advanced to Saturday's championship game to take on tournament host and former Centennial League rival Emporia.

The 12-1 Spartans, ranked No. 4 in 5A, advanced with a 53-52 win over Wichita Heights.